SPEEDY SAM IS MAN TO COVER AT No 8

AT a time when England’s No 8 stocks have been depleted by injuries to Billy Vunipola, Nathan Hughes and Jack Clifford, Sam Simmonds (right) continues to blaze a trail for Exeter as the sensation of the season to date. The pace and footwork he demonstrated to conjure a stunning solo try against Newcastle at Sandy Park on Saturday were worthy of an outside back. Eddie Jones wants players who bring unique, game-changing attributes and Simmonds is providing evidence that he fits in that category. ‘I pride myself on being a little bit quicker than other back rows,’ said the 22-year-old after his latest stellar performance. ‘I do like to work on my speed. It is a natural thing I have had since I was younger anyway.’ Simmonds revealed that he no longer worries about his relative lack of bulk, adding: ‘I’m around 100kg. I used to look at it a lot and think, “Christ, I have to be 104105kg to play Premiership rugby”, but I’m happy with the weight I am now.’